This is what Manchester city centre’s newest park could look like.
New images revealed today show how the new green space at Central Retail Park could look once it has been completed. Recently, the council unveiled its ambitions to transform the dilapidated ex-shopping centre, on Great Ancoats Street, into a huge new office complex, complete with a new park.
Bosses want to see the 1980s retail destination become a ‘flagship, highly sustainable development’ which will provide 8,000 jobs, aforementioned green space, and new retail sites. It’s understood the Government Property Agency is examining moving into the area, and relocate thousands of civil servants in the process.
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Today (January 4), council bosses published new images of the proposed parkland — known as ‘The Garden’ — as it launches a consultation on the plans. The authority says it will create a new public link through to the adjacent Cotton Field Park.
That new public realm ‘would be open to all’, the council says, and ‘could provide a range of spaces from terraced lawns and informal seating to lush planting’.
“We have an exciting opportunity in the former retail site to bring the long-term regeneration story of New Islington to a close, creating a flagship low carbon, green development that has the potential to create thousands of jobs,” said Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council. “At the heart of our proposals is a green public space that will create a link between Great Ancoats and New Islington Marina for the first time, helping to celebrate Cotton Field Park behind.
“We want this to be a truly valuable investment to Manchester’s regeneration programme and a credit to the city centre. As such, we would encourage feedback on our proposals and invite as many people as possible to take part in the consultation.”
There will be two public drop-in events as part of the consultation, which are open to all, including local residents, businesses and other organisations, with no need to book in advance. Both these events will be held at Hallé St Peter's (40 Blossom St, Ancoats, M4 6BF) on Tuesday 17 January 2023 and will be open from 12pm – 2:30pm and 5pm – 7pm.
You can also submit a response via email or by calling 0808 175 3408. The consultation is open until Tuesday, February 14, 2023.
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